Wrexham Council recognised for innovative use of technology in dementia care

Wrexham Council has been recognised for its work using technology to support people living with dementia locally.

The local authority was highly commended at the Social Care Wales Accolades 2024 in Cardiff for its collaboration with My Improvement Network for ‘working to the principle of strengths-based practice’.

It also received praise for its use of Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activates (RITA) devices in supporting people living with dementia.

RITA devices come in the form of user-friendly touch screen or tablet to lend entertainment and therapy to assist patients in remembering and sharing things form their past using music and watching news reports of historical events.

Other features include films, karaoke and playing games.

A personal file can be created with all the individual’s needs and likes – such as their favourite music and films – to create a more personalised and effective way to care for that person according to not only their medical requirements but also their personal interests.

The devices were first rolled out to 20 care homes in March 2021, with a further 13 care homes receiving RITA in April 2022. This included a version to support residents who are bed bound.

Wrexham Council has also been trialling a Google bike, that was gifted to the authority by Digital Wales.

The bike, uses a large screen to allow users to virtually travel around different areas as if they were cycling, has featured in the city’s wellbeing hub.

It has been used to encouraged people taking part to take the lead in conversations by discussing different hobbies.

Cllr John Pritchard, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said the recognition at the Social Care Wales Accolades 2024 shows “the dedication to supporting people living with dementia.”

He said: “We’re a big supporter of using digital enablers, like RITA devices, to help improve the health and wellbeing of families affected by dementia.

“We’ve seen so many different benefits, and it really helps families and carers to communicate with the person more effectively.

“Being highly commended at the Social Care Wales Accolades shows our dedication to supporting people living with dementia.”

Digital skills and community-based support can improve the health and wellbeing of families affected by dementia. To learn more about how you can use digital to help people living with dementia take a look at the Good Things Foundation website.